Aussie Rugby Star Launches Vegan Meal Delivery Service

Australia’s Macquarie Scorpions rugby league player Kelly Benson has launched Newcastle Vegan Eats, a meal delivery service in the Newcastle, Australia area. The service offers weekly meal plans that are 100 percent plant-based, gluten-free, and organic. One of the meal plans the company offers is the Home Chef Plan, and consists of seven meals with options such as Sticky BBQ Tempeh with Creamy Potato Salad and Garden Goodness, and desserts such as Raw Caramel Chocolate Bites. Benson, who plays the hooker position on the Macquarie Scorpions and is also a chef, went vegan two years ago to lose weight and improve his athletic performance. “[My coaches] are seeing me, one of the fittest guys on the team, thriving on a plant-based diet,” Benson said. “[…] There hasn’t been enough awareness about the benefits of a plant-based diet.” Benson launched Newcastle Vegan Eats to show others that vegan meals can be flavorful and simple to make. “A lot of it was quite easy,” he explained. “Instead of mince, I would just throw in lentils. I realized meat is actually quite bland.”